Navigation system and method to scroll to user selected point of interests (POIs)
A navigation system has at least one processor. A memory is coupled to the processor. The memory stores program instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: display a map; display a cursor showing a present location of a vehicle on the map; display a menu screen to enter user selected point of interest (POI) search criteria; display markings on the map, wherein each marking corresponds to a POI matching the user selected POI search criteria; move the map to a user selected marking; and center the map on the user selected marking.
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The present application generally relates to a vehicle navigation system, and, more particularly, to a vehicle navigation system that displays different points of interest (POIs) on a map that meet defined search criteria and allows the user to move to a desired POI while providing details of the selected POI.
BACKGROUNDMany vehicles may now be equipped with navigations systems. Vehicle navigation systems may be used to search for and calculate a route from a current location of the vehicle to a desired destination. Typical vehicle navigation systems may be configured to allow a user to enter a name or address of the desired destination. The vehicle navigation system may calculate a route from a current location of the vehicle to the desired destination and provide turn-by-turn navigation directions to the driver via text, speech, or other communications avenues. The vehicle navigation may show a map in graphical format on a display. The map may show the present location of the vehicle as the vehicle moves along a highlighted path to the desired destination. The display may also show the textual directions.
Vehicle navigation systems may allow a user to perform a search for different types of points of interests (POIs) that may be located near the current location of the vehicle. The vehicle navigation system may allow the user to locate different POIs such as nearest gas station, restaurants, parks, shopping centers and other destination types and then select one of the POIs as the destination.
In present vehicle navigation systems, when the user performs a search for different types of POIs, a list may be displayed showing POIs that match the user's search criteria. For example, if a user were to enter coffee shops, a list of coffee shops located near the vehicle may be displayed. Alternatively, or in addition to the list of POIs matching the user's search criteria, a plurality of markings and/or pins may be displayed on the map indicating the location of POIs on the map. Thus, in the above example, the map may have a plurality of pins indicating the location of the coffee shops located near the vehicle. However, limited to no information is provided about each pin. Thus, information such as the name of the POI related to each pin, address of the POI related to each pin, and other POI related data is not shown.
In present vehicle navigation systems, the vehicle location may be represented as a cursor and located in a center area of the display. In general, one cannot move the location of the cursor, as the cursor represents the current location of the vehicle. Even when the vehicle is moving, the cursor generally stays in the middle of the display and the graphical representation of the map continuously updates as the vehicle moves. Thus, if a plurality of pins is displayed on the map indicating the location of user defined POIs, the user is not able to move/scroll to the different pin locations displayed on the map.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a system and method that overcome the above identified concerns, as well as additional challenges which will become apparent from the disclosure set forth below.
SUMMARYThis summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In accordance with one aspect of the present application, a navigation system is disclosed. The navigation system has at least one processor. A memory is coupled to the processor. The memory stores program instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: display a map; display a cursor showing a present location of a vehicle on the map; display a menu screen to enter user selected point of interest (POI) search criteria; display markings on the map, wherein each marking corresponds to a POI matching the user selected POI search criteria; move the map to a user selected marking; and center the map on the user selected marking.
In accordance with one aspect of the present application, a method of displaying point of interests (POIs) on a navigation system is disclosed. The method comprises: displaying a map; displaying a menu screen to enter user selected POI search criteria; displaying markings on the map corresponding to a POI matching the user selected POI search criteria; moving the map to a user selected marking; and centering the map on the user selected marking.
In accordance with one aspect of the present application, a navigation system is disclosed. The navigation system has at least one processor. A memory is coupled to the processor. The memory stores program instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: display a map; display a cursor showing a present location of a vehicle on the map; display a menu screen to enter user selected POI search criteria; display a POI list showing POIs matching the user selected POI search criteria, the POI list displays the POIs in order based on a distance from the present location of the vehicle to each respective POI; display markings on the map corresponding to a POI matching the user selected POI search criteria; moving the map to a user selected marking; centering the map on the user selected marking; and display data in a text box proximate the user selected marking showing information related to the user selected marking.
Embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present disclosure can be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the disclosure in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
Referring to
Referring now to
The processor 14 may be used to control the various functions of the navigation system 12. The processor 14 may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination thereof. The processor 14 may store a computer program or other programming instructions associated with the memory 18 to control the operation of navigation system 12. The data structures and code within the software in which the present disclosure may be implemented, may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage. The non-transitory computer-readable storage may be any device or medium that may store code and/or data for use by a computer system. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, magnetic and optical storage devices such as disk drives, magnetic tape, CDs (compact discs), DVDs (digital versatile discs or digital video discs), or other media capable of storing code and/or data now known or later developed. The processor 14 may comprise various computing elements, such as integrated circuits, microcontrollers, microprocessors, programmable logic devices, etc, alone or in combination to perform the operations described herein.
When the navigation system 12 is active, the processor 14 may determine a current location of the vehicle 10. The processor 14 may receive location data from the location determining unit 16. In accordance with one embodiment, the location determining unit 16 may be a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) device 16A. The GPS device 16A may calculate the current location of the vehicle 10 by timing signals sent by GPS satellites. Each GPS satellite may continually transmits message signals that may include the time the message was transmitted and GPS satellite position at the time the message signal was transmission. The GPS device 16A may use the message signals received to determine a transit time of each message signal and computes the distance to each GPS satellite. These distances and satellite locations may be used to compute the location of the GPS device 16A and thus the present location of the vehicle 10. The above is given as one example. The processor 14 may determine a current location of the vehicle 10 in other manners.
The memory 18 may be coupled to the processor 14 as well as other components of the navigation system 12. The memory 18 may be used to store various data utilized by the processor 14 and or other components of the navigation system 12. The memory 18 may include removable and non-removable memory elements such as RAM, ROM, flash, magnetic, optical, and/or other conventional memory elements. The above listing is given as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner.
The memory 18 may be used to store programming data for instructing the processor 14 or other components of the navigation system 12 to perform certain steps as will be described below. The memory 18 may also store various geographical representations of maps and navigation data, as well as data related to POIs and other related data.
The user interface 20 may be coupled to the processor 14 as well as other components of the navigation system 12. The user interface 20 may be used to enter information into the navigation system 12. The user interface 20 may be buttons, switches, keyboard, trackball, scroll wheel or similar device used to enter data. In accordance with one embodiment, the display unit 22 may show an alphanumeric keyboard or other input mechanisms and the user interface 20 may be used to select and enter a desired letter, number and/or other input command. Alternatively, the display unit 22 may be a touch screen display thereby functioning as a display unit 22 and the user interface 20.
The display 22 may be coupled to the processor 14 as well as other components of the navigation system 12. The display 22 may be used to show graphical representations of maps, routes, POIs, and other data as will be detailed below. The display 22 may be used to show an alphanumeric keyboard and/or other input mechanism to be used with or as the user interface 20. The display 22 may be a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or display types.
The power source 24 may be provided to supply power to the various components of the navigation system 12. The power source 24 may be used to directly or indirectly power the processor 14, the location determining unit 16, memory 18, user interface 20 and/or display 22. The power source 24 may be batteries, an adapter for running off of power supplied by the vehicle 10 or power supply devices.
Based on the current location identified, the processor 14 may display a graphical representation of a map showing the current location of the vehicle 10 on the display unit 22. The processor 14 may obtain map data from the memory 18. Alternatively, the processor 14 may download map data via the location determining unit 16 (i.e., the GPS device 16A). The graphical representation of the map shown on the display 22 may be a two dimensional representation, a three dimensional representation, a satellite image representation, or other graphical representations.
Referring now to
If the user would like to perform a search for different types of POIs that may be located near the VP cursor 34, the user may enter search criteria through the user interface 20. In accordance with one embodiment, by using the user interface 20, a menu screen 38 may be seen on the display 22 as shown in
A search area 38E may be shown on the menu screen 38. The search area 38E may be used to enter user selected search criteria. The user may enter keywords, addresses or other search criteria in the search area 38E through the user interface 20. The navigation system 12 may be configured to find POIs that match the search criteria entered. For example, if the user wanted to search for coffee houses, the user may enter “coffee” through the user interface 20 in the search area 38E. The navigation system 12 may locate POIs that match the search criteria for “coffee”.
In the embodiment shown in
Referring to
In order to limit the number of POIs listed, the navigation system 12 may be configured to list the POIs that meet the search criteria and are within a predetermined distance of the current location of the vehicle 10. Thus, in the example where the user wanted to search for coffee houses, all coffee houses within a predetermined radius of the vehicle 10 may be listed. Alternatively, the number of POIs listed may be limited to those POIs that meet the search criteria as well as within a predetermined boundary defined by the map 32. Thus, in the example where the user wanted to search for coffee houses, all coffee houses located within the boundary of the map 32 may be listed. In accordance with one embodiment, the map may be set at a default map scale. Alternatively, a user may increase or decrease a magnification level of the map 32. Thus, the number of POIs listed may change based on the magnification level of the map 32 being shown on the display 22. In accordance with one embodiment, if the vehicle 10 is moving, the navigation system 12 may limit the number of POIs on the POI list 44. The navigation system 12 may limit the number of POIs on the POI list 44 to a predetermined number of POIs that match the search criteria and are closest to the vehicle 12. In accordance with one embodiment, the navigation system 12 may limit the number of POIs on the POI list 44 to the closeted eight POIs that match the search criteria.
The user may switch from the screen 42 showing the POI list 44 to a POI map screen 46 shown in
In accordance with one embodiment, the map 32 may be divided into a plurality of sections 50. Each section 50 may correspond to a direction in which the scroll button 40 may move the map 32. Thus, if the scroll button 40 is a touch screen 8-way scroll button, the map 32 may be divided into eight different sections wherein each section may correspond to one of the eight different directions the scroll button 40 may move.
As may be seen in
If the user were to move the map in the direction corresponding to section 50B, the map 32 may move to the pin 46 labeled as 1 which is the 1st pin 46 located closest to the VP cursor 34. If the user continues to move the map 32 in the direction corresponding to section 50B, the map 32 may then move to the next pin 46 labeled as 2 in section 50B which may be the 2nd closest pin 46 to the VP cursor 34 in the direction corresponding to section 50B. If the user continues to move the map 32 in the direction corresponding to section 50B, the map 32 may continue to move to next successive pin 46 which may be the pin 46 labeled as 3 in section 50B. The movement of the map 32 may stop where there are no more pins 46 in section 50B.
When the user moves the map 32 to a pin 46, the location of the pin 46 may be centered on the map 32 as shown in
The user may select the pin 46 as a destination by using the button 40A or the user interface 20. If the pin 46 is selected as a destination, a route from the VP cursor 34 to the pin 46 may be shown on the map 32.
If at any time the user wishes to return back to a previous pin 46, the user may press a back button on the user interface 20. In accordance with the embodiment, the back button 40B may be a button located proximate the scroll button 40 that appears on the display 22. By pressing the back button 40B, the user may go to the previous pin 48 that the user just passed. For example, as shown in
In accordance with one embodiment, if the vehicle 12 is moving and the screen 42 showing the POI list 44 is being displayed, the number of POIs on the POI list 44 may be reduced to a predetermined number. For example, the navigation system 12 may be configured to reduce the number of POIs on the POI list 44 to the eight closest POIs that meet the search criteria. The user may select one of the POIs on the POI list 44 using the user interface 20 and/or the scroll button 40. By selecting a POI on the POI list 44, the navigation system 12 may switch from the screen 42 showing the POI list 44 to a POI map screen 46′ shown in
If the user wanted to go back to the POI list 44, the user may press a back button on the user interface 20 or the back button 40B located primate the scroll button 40. By using the back button on the user interface 20 or the back button 40B, the navigation system 10 may go back to the screen 42 showing the POI list 44 where the user may select another POI on the POI list 44.
Referring now to
When the user moves the map 32 to a pin 46, the location of the pin 46 may be centered on the map 32 as shown in block 72. A bubble 52 may appear proximate the pin 46 as shown in block 74. The bubble 52 may have information related to the pin 46. For example, the bubble 52 may display a name and address of the POI associated with the pin 46. The bubble 52 may contain the distance from the VP cursor 34 to the pin 46. Other information such as a phone number or other information related to the POI associated with the pin 46 may be shown.
The foregoing description is illustrative of particular embodiments of the application, but is not meant to be a limitation upon the practice thereof. The following claims, including all equivalents thereof, are intended to define the scope of the application.
Claims
1. A navigation system comprising:
- at least one processor; and
- a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing program instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: display a map; display a cursor indicating a present location of a vehicle on the map; display a menu screen to enter a user selected point of interest (POI) search criteria; display a POI list showing POIs matching the user selected POI search criteria, wherein the POI list is limited to a predetermined number of POIs matching the user selected POI search criteria when the vehicle is moving; display markings on the map to POIs matching the user selected POI search criteria; move the map to a user selected marking; and center the map on the user selected marking.
2. The navigation system, in accordance with claim 1, wherein the memory storing program instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the processor to display data in a text box proximate the user selected marking showing information related to the user selected marking.
3. The navigation system, in accordance with claim 1, wherein the POI list displays the POIs in order based on a distance from the present location of the vehicle to each respective POI.
4. The navigation system, in accordance with claim 1, wherein the memory storing program instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the processor to display a single marking on the map corresponding to a user selected POI from the POI list when the vehicle is moving, markings corresponding to non-selected POIs from the POI list removed from the map.
5. The navigation system, in accordance with claim 4, wherein the memory storing program instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the processor to display data in a text box proximate the single marking, the text box showing information related to the single marking.
6. The navigation system, in accordance with claim 1, wherein moving the map to a user selected marking comprises:
- moving to a first marking in a user selected direction, the first marking located closest to the cursor; and
- moving to successive markings in the user selected direction wherein each successive marking is further away from the cursor when the user continues to move the map.
7. A method of displaying point of interests (POIs) on a navigation system comprising:
- displaying a map;
- displaying a menu screen to enter user selected POI search criteria;
- displaying a POI list showing POIs matching the user selected POI search criteria, wherein the POI list is limited to a predetermined number of POIs matching the user selected POI search criteria when a vehicle having the navigation system is moving;
- displaying markings on the map corresponding to a POIs matching the user selected POI search criteria;
- moving the map to a user selected marking; and
- centering the map on the user selected marking.
8. The method of claim 7, comprising displaying data in a text box proximate the user selected marking showing information related to the user selected marking.
9. The method of claim 7, comprising displaying POIs on the POI list in order based on a distance from a present location of a vehicle having the navigation system to each respective POI.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the POI list is limited to a predetermined number of POIs matching the user selected POI search criteria when a vehicle having the navigation system is moving.
11. The method of claim 10, comprising displaying a single marking on the map corresponding to a user selected POI from the POI list when the vehicle is moving, markings corresponding to non-selected POIs from the POI list removed from the map.
12. The method of claim 11, comprising displaying data in a text box proximate the single marking, the text box showing information related to the single marking.
13. The method of claim 7, wherein moving the map to a user selected marking comprises:
- moving to a first marking in a user selected direction, the first marking located closest to the cursor; and
- moving to successive markings in the user selected direction wherein each successive marking is further away from the cursor when the user continues to move the map.
14. A navigation system comprising:
- at least one processor; and
- a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing program instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: display a map; display a cursor indicating a present location of a vehicle on the map; display a menu screen to enter a user selected POI search criteria; display a POI list showing POIs matching the user selected POI search criteria, the POI list displays the POIs in order based on a distance from the present location of the vehicle to each respective POI, wherein the POI list is limited to a predetermined number of POIs matching the user selected POI search criteria when the vehicle is moving; display markings on the map corresponding to a POI matching the user selected POI search criteria; move the map to a user selected marking; center the map on the user selected marking; and display data in a text box proximate the user selected marking showing information related to the user selected marking.
15. The navigation system, in accordance with claim 14, wherein the memory storing program instructions that when executed by the processor, causes the processor to display a single marking on the map corresponding to a user selected POI from the POI list when the vehicle is moving, markings corresponding to non-selected POIs from the POI list removed from the map.
16. The navigation system, in accordance with claim 14, wherein moving the map to a user selected marking comprises:
- moving to a first marking in a user selected direction, the first marking located closest to the cursor; and
- moving to successive markings in the user selected direction wherein each successive marking is further away from the cursor when the user continues to move the map.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Nov 21, 2014
Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO. LTD. (Tokyo)
Inventors: Jumpei Ichinokawa (Rolling Hills Estate, CA), Maja Kurciska (Sherman Oaks, CA)
Primary Examiner: Thomas Tarcza
Assistant Examiner: Alex C Dunn
Application Number: 14/550,591
International Classification: G01C 21/36 (20060101);